Yunnan Kitchen

Yunnan Kitchen describes itself as “introducing the vibrant flavors of China’s Yunnan Province to New York City.” If you’re thinking “where as Yunnan province and do I want to try it’s food?” you’re far from alone. Fortunately, I’m here to answer your questions. First, Yunnan Province is a mountainous region in South-Central China bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. Second, the answer is unclear. You see, Yunnan Kitchen does not serve traditional cuisine of the region. However, the locally-sourced food flavored with Yunnanese spices and herbs they do serve is unique and quite delicious. Just don’t go in expecting normal Sichuan or Hunan Chinese food, to which this bears almost no resemblance.

Instead you get to choose from an assortment of small plates in four categories: cold, hot, shao kao (grilled w/ spices) and rice & noodles in a setting that feels like an upscale bar. Most of the items in all sections will be familiar to NYC diners, save for the Yunnan spices. Overall, it’s definitely worth stopping in for the interesting menu and reasonable prices, even if waits can get long at peak times (we were told 1 1/2 hrs on a Saturday night although it ended up being around an hour).

Spicy Pork Shao Kao

My thoughts on what we ate are below. For more photos and reviews, please check my DishEnvy page.

Shredded Chicken The best dish of the night. The mashed taro has a little sweetness to it which works nicely with the tamarind chicken.

Spicy Pork Shao Kao The pork is covered in Yunnan spices, which were salty but had some unique flavors as well.

Wax Beans (special) A nice veggie addition to the menu that lacks greens. The ginger was a tangy and refreshing addition.

Chinese Sausage Fried Rice Tasty enough, but it didn’t stand out as anything special. I’d go for something more exciting while here.